Tax Talk Today Addresses Retirement Options

The latest installment of Tax Talk Today, a monthly Webcast co-sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, featured valuable information about retirement options and related tax incentives.

Tuesday's session, "Advising Clients on Retirement Plans," discussed advantages of tax-favored plans and addressed the various options for retirement plans, including SEP-IRAs, 401(k)s, SIMPLE-IRAs, defined benefit plans, money purchase plans, and profit-sharing plans. Panel members discussed the complexity associated with the plans and the paperwork burden. They also covered requirements for keeping the plans in compliance with the law and covered ways in which employers can cut costs associated with company retirement plans.

Les Witmer, a 23-year veteran of the IRS and most recently Acting Director of Communications for the IRS's Wage and Investment division, moderated the discussion. Panelists included Craig P. Hoffman, a specialists in taxation, ERISA, and employee benefits, Carol D. Gold, Director of Employee Plans for the IRS's Tax Exempt and Government Entities division, Donna M. Prestia, an Employee Plans analyst for the IRS, and Brian L. Anderson, an employee-benefits lawyer.

The Retirement Plans Webcast is available for viewing[1] at no charge, however you will need to register with the Tax Talk Today Web site to view the Webcast. One hour of continuing professional education credit is available for a fee ($25 individual, $20 per person for groups of 25 or more). A short test will be available after viewing the Webcast and before credit can be issued.